A man hangs lights in an alley on the eve of Diwali in a slum in Mumbai, Maharashtra. A time to celebrate and connect with friends and family, Diwali n modern India has almost become synonymous with bursting firecrackers. The Supreme Court’s recent ban on firecrackers in Delhi NCR this year while met with mixed responses, has also resulted in awareness for the importance of safer, greener alternatives. (Danish Siddiqui / REUTERS)

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The Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is illuminated with laser lights projections as a part of Diwali celebrations in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. (PTI)

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A woman decorates her home with flowers and lamps on the eve of Diwali in Hyderabad, Telangana. The festival of light marks the triumph of good over evil, and commemorates the return of Rama to his birthplace Ayodhya after victory against the Lankan king Ravana. (Noah Seelam / AFP)

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People light earthen lamps on the banks of River Saryu during Deepotsav in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The UP state tourism department in association with the Avadh University and the district administration aimed to set a new world record by lighting more than 171,000 earthen oil lamps on the stairs of the Sarayu ghats at Ram Ki Paidi . (Nanad Kumar / PTI)

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A view of the Golden Temple illuminated on the eve the Diwali in Amritsar, Punjab. (PTI)

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Border security force (BSF) soldiers light candles near the International border fence at Pargwal about 40 kms from Jammu on Tuesday. (PTI)

People release sky lanterns (hot air balloons) to celebrate Diwali in Howrah district of West Bengal. (PTI)

People light candles in a stadium as part of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrations in Allahabad. (Jitendra Prakash / REUTERS)

about the gallery

Diwali or the festival of lights celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, and the triump of good over evil. Hand made diyas, decorative lights and sky lanters are some alternatives that people have opted for this year, in hopes of a quieter, cleaner and flame free celebration for one of India’s biggest festivals.